Senate discusses Tinubu's request, rejects ECOWAS military action in Niger

President Bola Tinubu’s request for military intervention in Niger Republic to restore democracy after the coup in country has been rejected by the Senate.

The President had written to the Senate on Friday, seeking approval for the implementation of the Resolutions of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government regarding military action in Niger Republic.

But the Senate, which discussed the executive communication during a closed-door session on Saturday, outrightly rejected military action in Niger, insisting on diplomatic resolution.

The President, Godswill Akpabio, who spoke after the closed-door session, said they considered Tinubu’s request and resolved to go for a political solution rather than military action, considering the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Niger.

“At our executive session, the Senate condemned in totality the coup that took place in Niger Republic. The Senate commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other Heads of State of ECOWAS on their prompt response.

“The Senate recognises the fact that President Tinubu, by the virtue of his correspondence, has not asked that we should approve a request to go to war, but he expressed a wish to solicit support in the successful implementation of the ECOWAS communiqué.

“The leadership of the Senate is mandated to further engage the President on how best to engage and resolve the issues.

“The Senate is mandated to further engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on how best to resolve the issue in view of the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Niger.

“The Senate called on the ECOWAS Parliament to rise to this and condemn the military coup in Niger and to resolve the impasse”, he said.